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Related Concept Videos

Epigenetic Regulation01:46

Epigenetic Regulation

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Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
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Epigenetic Regulation01:37

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Epigenetic changes alter the physical structure of the DNA without changing the genetic sequence and often regulate whether genes are turned on or off. This regulation ensures that each cell produces only proteins necessary for its function. For example, proteins that promote bone growth are not produced in muscle cells. Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
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Gene-Environment Interactions01:20

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Gene expression is a dynamic process that is significantly influenced by environmental factors. This interaction underlies the complex nature of biological development and the phenotypic differences observed among individuals, even among those with identical genetic makeups. Factors such as radiation, temperature, behavior, nutrition, and stress play pivotal roles in determining how genes are expressed. The concept of the reaction range is central to understanding this interaction. It posits...
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Although the genetic makeup of an organism plays a major role in determining the phenotype, there are also several environmental factors, such as temperature, oxygen availability, presence of mutagens, that can alter an organism’s phenotype.
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Epigenetics is the study of inherited changes in a cell's phenotype without changing the DNA sequences. It provides a form of memory for the differential gene expression pattern to maintain cell lineage, position-effect variegation, dosage compensation, and maintenance of chromatin structures such as telomeres and centromeres. For example, the structure and location of the centromere on chromosomes are epigenetically inherited. Its functionality is not dictated or ensured by the underlying...
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Updated: May 1, 2026

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Epigenetics, plasticity, and evolution: How do we link epigenetic change to phenotype?

Elizabeth J Duncan1, Peter D Gluckman, Peter K Dearden

  • 1Genetics Otago and Gravida, The National Centre for Growth and Development, Biochemistry Department, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.

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Epigenetic mechanisms, like DNA methylation, allow environmental factors to alter gene expression and organism traits. Further research is needed to understand their ecological and evolutionary impacts.

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Area of Science:

  • Environmental epigenetics
  • Genomics
  • Evolutionary biology

Background:

  • Epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation and histone modifications, are crucial for genome response to environmental stimuli.
  • These epigenetic marks can induce lasting changes in gene expression, influencing an organism's phenotype and adaptability.
  • Epigenetics plays a key role in phenotypic plasticity, enabling environmental exposures to shape future gene expression patterns.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of epigenetic mechanisms in response to environmental factors.
  • To explore the roles of epigenetic marks in gene expression, plasticity, and their methods of assay.
  • To identify knowledge gaps and future research directions for understanding the ecological and evolutionary impacts of epigenetics.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of epigenetic mechanisms and environmental interactions.
  • Discussion of various epigenetic marks (DNA methylation, histone modifications).
  • Overview of methods for detecting and analyzing epigenetic changes.

Main Results:

  • Epigenetic mechanisms provide a link between environmental exposures and heritable changes in gene expression.
  • While roles in human biology and disease are increasingly understood, their ecological and evolutionary significance remains largely unexplored.
  • Current methods allow for the study of epigenetic changes, but comprehensive understanding requires further advancements.

Conclusions:

  • Epigenetics is a vital interface between the environment and the genome, influencing phenotype and potentially evolution.
  • Significant gaps exist in our knowledge of epigenetic impacts on ecology and evolution.
  • Future research should focus on elucidating these broader impacts through advanced methodologies.